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| Presidential Villa at Banyan Tree Seychelles has its own private infinity pool hidden by granite boulders, overlooking the ocean. |
The world has turned its gaze to the Seychelles Islands, just off the African coast in the Indian Ocean, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, spent their honeymoon last year. If your clients are looking to follow in their royal footsteps—and remember, newlyweds spend an average of three to four times for their trip of a lifetime than other vacationers—here are our picks for prime honeymoon real estate.
Raffles Praslin Seychelles, one of the newer resorts to open in the destination, has developed an experience for betrothed and newlywed couples to enjoy. For those looking to tie the knot on location, the resort offers a dedicated wedding specialist that will take care of all the arrangements, from scouting the location to food and beverage and bridal makeup and hair. On the wedding day, the chosen location for the ceremony will be decorated with a floral arch made of local frangipani flowers. The ceremony is followed by a champagne reception with a wedding cake for up to four people. The couple will enjoy a dinner for two under the stars on the beach or at the location of their choice.
After the ceremony, couples will receive a wedding gift courtesy of the resort, and their own personal butler will arrange for their villa to be decorated with candles and a drawn bath. The following day they enjoy a breakfast in-villa.
Honeymooners also have a wealth of romance options when staying at Raffles Praslin Seychelles. Newlyweds can book the Honeymoon in Paradise experience, which includes accommodation in an Oceanview Pool Villa, daily breakfast, a 60-minute couples’ massage and a romantic dinner on the beach.
There are 30 Oceanview Pool Villas, each measuring approximately 1,350 square feet. Amenities include a private plunge pool, resident’s bar, open-air balcony with sundeck chairs, outdoor sheltered pavilion with day bed and dining table, outdoor rain shower and more.
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| Infinity pool at Raffles Praslin Seychelles |
For the ultimate in romance and luxury, we suggest booking the one-bedroom Royal Panoramic Villa Suite, which boasts views of the ocean. Bathrooms are designed to take in the surroundings, with soaking tubs offering sweeping views. There are two Royal Panoramic Villa Suites available. Each has its own private plunge pool, resident’s bar, living and dining area, open-air balcony with sundeck chairs, outdoor sheltered pavilion, barbecue grill, outdoor rain shower and more.
There are five dining establishments on the property. Curieuse Seafood Restaurant is a casual venue serving up seafood in an island-style setting. For Mediterranean-style dining we suggest Losean Restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner. For cocktails with ocean views, check out Takamaka Terrace, a rooftop lounge that overlooks the sea. Danzil Lounge and the Pool Bar are two other food and beverage options at the resort.
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| Royal Panoramic Villa Suite living room at Raffles. |
Couples can unwind at the Raffles Spa, which has 13 treatment pavilions, a living lounge and tea room, fitness studio, sauna, whirlpools, experience showers, outdoor lounge and more.
Reach out to Director of Sales and Marketing Marielle Morin ([email protected]) with queries.
Banyan Tree Seychelles is another option for honeymooners. Tucked in Intendance Bay on Mahe Island, the resort offers in-your-face views of the Indian Ocean.
The best rooms for honeymooners would be the 19 Beachfront Spa Pool Villas. They are just steps from the beach and directly face the Indian Ocean. Amenities include private swimming pool, massage pavilion, outdoor jet pool and steam room, and garden offering direct access to the beach.
The top room at this resort is the Presidential Villa. It occupies its own private cove by the water’s edge. The villa has its own private free-form infinity swimming pool hidden by granite boulders, overlooking the ocean.
The resort’s spa offers treatments in one of eight oceanview hillside pavilions. For spa bookings, reach out to Assistant Spa Manager Yuwadee Sirichompoo ([email protected]). Treatments should be booked at least a week out.
When it’s time to dine, we suggest Chez Lamar, a Creole dining venue set in a colonial-style house. Au Jardin d’Epices looks out onto the Indian Ocean and has an African feel to it.
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| Villa 11 (Villa North Island) on Ile du Nord. |
A third option for a romantic getaway is Ile du Nord, or North Island. This private island is occupied by a single resort and is just 20 miles from the Seychelles’ main island of Mahe. With only 11 villas, the resort is as secluded as it gets. The villas measure 4,890 square feet, each with two bedrooms and decked out in local materials (think wood, local stone, glass and thatched roofs). The master bedroom has its own changing room and writing area that opens into a large bathroom with marble bath and two showers (one indoor and the other outdoor). In addition, the villas come with satellite TV, a DVD/CD system and Internet access. A kitchen is available for guests, as well as a private plunge pool and a sala.
Note: The crème de la crème at this resort is Villa 11, commonly known as Villa North Island. By far the most romantic of the villas, Villa North Island sits up on a rock with its own surprise entrance. The bathroom is complete with a four-by-six-foot soaking tub that has sloping ends and a ledge for a champagne bucket. The highlight of the villa is its outdoor shower and alfresco spa—a roofless deck with massage beds that offers views of the Indian Ocean.
The central meeting point of the resort is the Island Piazza, which has the dive and activity center and library. Just a few steps from the piazza are the lounge and dining areas, wine cellar and private dining sala.
Travel agents can contact Roberto Viviani (011-27-257-5299), director of sales and marketing, to ask for more information.